Kathleen Tennant Mathews

Kathleen “Kathy” Mathews (née Tennant), of Laguna Woods, CA, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, and friend, passed away peacefully in Irvine, California. She was born on September 13, 1947, in Saranac Lake, NY, the eldest of three children to William and Helen Tennant. Raised in Lake Placid and later Ridgewood, NJ, Kathy graduated from St. Luke’s High School and went on to earn her nursing degree from Seton Hall University in 1969.

Kathy served as a U.S. Army nurse during the Vietnam War era, stationed in South Korea, where she met the love of her life, James “Jim” Mathews. They married in 1971 and raised three sons—Gregory, Mark, and Robert—together in a warm and faith-filled home.

Throughout her life, Kathy embodied compassion and service. As a registered nurse and later a beloved school nurse known affectionately as “Nursie,” she offered gentle care and fierce advocacy for her patients and students. Her kindness and unwavering dedication touched countless lives.

Kathy’s greatest joy was her family. She considered her three sons her proudest achievement, and her granddaughters brought her immeasurable happiness. Kathy cherished her Greek-American family, her travels with Jim, her community in Laguna Woods, and the many lifelong friendships she nurtured along the way.

A woman of deep faith and principle, Kathy lived the values she believed in—service, honesty, and love. She had a sharp wit, a warm heart, and a candid spirit that made her unforgettable. She is now reunited with her parents and brother in peace, watching over those she loved. Her legacy of kindness and compassion will endure in all who knew her.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents Helen and William Tennant, and brother Robert Tennant. She is survived by her husband Jim Mathews, her children, Gregory, Mark (Melissa), Robert (Christy-Anne), grand daughters, Rylee Mathews, Victoria Mathews and brother William.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, located at 27231 Aliso Viejo Parkway, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, on August 14, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

A Graveside Service will follow at Riverside National Cemetery, located at 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518, on August 14, 2025, from 12:45 pm to 1:15 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=hopelodgehero&lang=en .